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How to Clean a Microwave – Easy and Effective Methods

Your Microwave and Other Kitchen Appliances Need Regular Cleaning.

Your kitchen is one of the most important rooms in your home. It’s where you prepare meals for your family, and it’s also a place where you entertain guests. That’s why it’s so important to keep your kitchen appliances clean and well-maintained.

So, how do you properly clean a microwave? Five easy and effective methods for how to clean a microwave include: 

  • Baking Soda Paste
  • Vinegar Steam Cleaner
  • Lemon Juice
  • Commercial Cleaners
  • Self-Cleaning Cycle

Dirty appliances not only look bad, but they can also be a health hazard. Food particles and grease can build up on surfaces, providing a perfect breeding ground for bacteria. And if you don’t clean your appliances regularly, that bacteria can end up making you sick.

Cleaning your appliances isn’t difficult, but it does take some time and effort. Make sure to read the manufacturer’s instructions carefully before you start so that you don’t damage the surfaces. And be sure to use the right cleaning products for the job; harsh chemicals can damage some finishes.

how to clean a microwave

Your Microwave Is Important

The microwave is one of the most essential appliances in the modern kitchen. It can be used to cook food quickly and easily, and it is also very convenient for reheating leftovers. However, there are some potential drawbacks to using a microwave. For example, microwaves can cause food to lose some of its nutrients. Additionally, microwaves can also create electromagnetic fields (EMFs), which some people believe could be harmful to human health.

Despite these potential drawbacks, microwaves are still widely used in kitchens all over the world. This is because they offer many benefits that outweigh the disadvantages. For instance, microwaves are extremely fast and efficient, which makes them ideal for busy families or individuals who don’t have a lot of time to cook. Additionally, microwaves can be very affordable, which makes them a great option for budget-minded shoppers.

How Often Should I Clean It?

If you’re like most people, you probably use your microwave on a daily basis. Whether you’re reheating leftovers or cooking a quick meal, it’s a convenient kitchen appliance that can save you time and hassle. But as useful as microwaves are, they can also get pretty dirty if they’re not cleaned regularly. Built-up grease and food particles can attract bacteria and other contaminants, which can lead to illness if ingested and let’s face it: no one wants to eat off of a dirty plate!

So how often should you clean your microwave? While there’s no hard and fast rule, it’s generally recommended that you give it a good cleaning at least once a week. If you use it more frequently, you may need to clean it more often. And if you have kids or pets in the house, you may want to clean it even more frequently to prevent the spread of germs.

The good news is that cleaning a microwave is usually pretty easy, and only takes a few minutes. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

1. Remove any loose food particles or debris from the interior of the microwave. Use a damp paper towel or sponge to wipe down the walls and ceiling, being careful not to miss any spots.

2. Make a DIY cleaning solution by mixing 1 part water with 1 part vinegar in a bowl or jar.

3. Place a microwave-safe bowl or cup filled with the solution inside the microwave.

4. Turn on the microwave and let it run for 5 minutes. This will help to loosen any stubborn dirt and grime.

5. Carefully remove the bowl or cup from the microwave and use a clean cloth or sponge to wipe down the interior, including the door seal. Rinse with clean water and dry with a soft towel.

How to Clean a Microwave? – DIY Easy and Effective Methods

1. Baking Soda Paste

Baking soda is a great natural cleaning agent. To make a paste, mix together 1/4 cup baking soda with 1/4 cup water. Apply the paste to stains and baked-on food with a sponge or cloth. Let it sit for several minutes, then wipe away with a damp cloth.

2. Vinegar Steam Cleaner

Vinegar is another natural cleaning powerhouse. You can use it to create a steam cleaner for your microwave. Just combine 1 cup water with 1/2 cup vinegar in a microwave-safe bowl. Place the bowl in the microwave and heat on high for 5 minutes. Let it sit for another 5 minutes, then wipe away any loosened dirt and grime with a damp cloth.

3. Lemon Juice

Lemon juice is also great for cleaning microwaves. Simply cut a lemon in half and squeeze the juice into a bowl of water. Dip a sponge or cloth into the mixture and use it to clean the inside of your microwave. The acidic lemon juice will help to break down stains and stuck-on food.

How to Clean a Microwave

4. Commercial Cleaners

If you prefer, there are many commercial cleaners available specifically for cleaning microwaves. These can be found at most grocery stores or online. Be sure to follow the directions on the packaging.

5. Self-Cleaning Cycle

If your microwave has a self-cleaning cycle, you can use that to clean it as well. Just follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. Keep in mind that this will use a lot of energy and produce a lot of heat, so it’s not something you want to do on a regular basis.

Wish I Could Always Have a Clean Microwave

You can! Well, at least most of the time. One of the best ways to ensure that your microwave is always clean is to use it less often. That might sound counterintuitive, but if you only use your microwave when absolutely necessary, you’ll find that it’s much easier to keep clean. So, try to think of alternative cooking methods whenever possible.

If you do need to use your microwave, be sure to clean up any spills immediately. Allowing food or other substances to sit in your microwave will make them much harder to remove later on. A quick wipe-down after each use will go a long way in keeping your microwave clean.

You can also try using some natural cleaning solutions to help break down tough stains and grime. For example, lemon juice is a great natural degreaser, so you can use it to clean the inside of your microwave. Simply mix equal parts lemon juice and water and apply it to the affected areas with a cloth. Then, let it sit for a few minutes before wiping it away.

In general, the best way to keep your microwave clean is to be proactive about it. A little bit of elbow grease (and maybe some natural cleaning solutions) will go a long way in keeping your kitchen appliance sparkling clean.

If you want to keep your microwave clean, it is important to remove the turntable and platter every few days and wash them in the sink. You should also wipe down the exterior of the microwave daily, as well as the touchpad. When warming up messy foods, it is best to use lower power settings to avoid splatters. You can also cover food with a paper towel or plate to help contain any potential messes. Finally, be sure to wipe up spills immediately and leave the door open between uses to reduce moisture and odors.

How to Clean a Microwave

You’re Preventing Future Problems

Just as any other appliance in your home, your microwave needs to be cleaned on a regular basis to keep it functioning properly. Here are three good reasons why you should give your microwave a little tender loving care:

1. Prevent Fires

One of the most important reasons to keep your microwave clean is to prevent fires. When grease and food particles build up on the inside of the oven, they can create sparks that could easily ignite a fire. To avoid this hazard, be sure to wipe down the interior of your microwave with soapy water at least once a week. If not you may end up having to call your insurance agent.

2. Avoid Splatters

Another good reason to keep your microwave clean is to avoid splatters. When food is cooked in a dirty microwave, the food particles that are stuck to the walls and ceiling can cause splattering. This not only makes a mess, but it can also make your food less appetizing. To avoid this problem, simply wipe down the inside of your microwave with soapy water after each use.

3. Improve Efficiency

A third reason to keep your microwave clean is to improve efficiency. When the interior of the oven is full of grease and grime, it has to work harder to heat food evenly. This not only takes longer but can also lead to uneven cooking. To keep your microwave running at peak efficiency, be sure to give it a good cleaning on a regular basis.

They Are Small But Mighty

You may not know it until you don’t have it, but your microwave really is a necessary addition to your kitchen. While they are fairly inexpensive and easy to replace, you don’t want to have to face that situation. Take time to clean your microwave so it will be your handy kitchen helper for many years.

Written By

Hi there! My name is Matt and I write for Expert Home Report. I enjoy writing about everything related to home improvement, home tips and DIY. In my spare time, I'm either spending time with my family, doing a DIY project or learning a new skill.